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Cerulean
One hundred years ago, people were forced to retreat to the seas...
Chey's ocean home seems lovely on the outside, with its rainbow-hued reefs and soul-tingling Whale-song, but the beauty hides secrets and despair.
One thousand blues can be too many...
Some people cannot live amid them all.
After losing her parents and best friend, Chey would do anything to fight off the apathy that threatens swim in a brood of jellies, break her sector's rules, and even breach the Surface. A forbidden encounter sets Chey on a desperate search for a way to save her people... and herself. One question plagues her. Can she survive long enough to find a cure?
Cerulean is a 35,000-word dystopian novella.
Chey's ocean home seems lovely on the outside, with its rainbow-hued reefs and soul-tingling Whale-song, but the beauty hides secrets and despair.
One thousand blues can be too many...
Some people cannot live amid them all.
After losing her parents and best friend, Chey would do anything to fight off the apathy that threatens swim in a brood of jellies, break her sector's rules, and even breach the Surface. A forbidden encounter sets Chey on a desperate search for a way to save her people... and herself. One question plagues her. Can she survive long enough to find a cure?
Cerulean is a 35,000-word dystopian novella.
ebook
First published November 13, 2012
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 3, 2014
What a surprisingly unique read. This book might seem like a modern take on The Little Mermaid, but it is so much more. Really beautifully crafted world that held me enthralled from beginning to end. It is a touch of fantasy mixed with post apocalypse/dystopian themes. Very creative.
I had a little trouble deciphering if this was a Young Adult or New Adult read. I do not recall hearing the exact age of the main character for quite some time. That is one of those defining details that I depend upon as a reader. It is in fact Young Adult, thankfully the main character is not angsty!
The narrative is all first person, not a big issue for me, I find when listening to a book this is not as annoying as reading for myself. But I know there are many out there who do not enjoy first person reads at all. Personally, it depends on how well it is done, this story flowed and I actually had to go back and check on the tense.
Chey is a very interesting character. She is fighting the blues, but does not get overly emotional or angsty. She is curious and eager to learn about everything, I enjoyed her reactions to her ocean surroundings and the land. Her enthusiasm makes her more engaging.
The supporting cast is intriguing and diverse. I wish there were more interactions with the sea creatures. They were an element of the books I really enjoyed. Imagine being able to speak their language!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Melissa Moran, who does a lovely job. She has a perky voice that really suits the story and the main character. She has a quick pace that really keeps the story moving. I will definitely look for more of her reads.
Overall, this was a very entertaining read, it just ends abruptly. I could not find if it is the start of a series. I hope it is because there is so much left open. Very nice start to a promising series!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
I had a little trouble deciphering if this was a Young Adult or New Adult read. I do not recall hearing the exact age of the main character for quite some time. That is one of those defining details that I depend upon as a reader. It is in fact Young Adult, thankfully the main character is not angsty!
The narrative is all first person, not a big issue for me, I find when listening to a book this is not as annoying as reading for myself. But I know there are many out there who do not enjoy first person reads at all. Personally, it depends on how well it is done, this story flowed and I actually had to go back and check on the tense.
Chey is a very interesting character. She is fighting the blues, but does not get overly emotional or angsty. She is curious and eager to learn about everything, I enjoyed her reactions to her ocean surroundings and the land. Her enthusiasm makes her more engaging.
The supporting cast is intriguing and diverse. I wish there were more interactions with the sea creatures. They were an element of the books I really enjoyed. Imagine being able to speak their language!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Melissa Moran, who does a lovely job. She has a perky voice that really suits the story and the main character. She has a quick pace that really keeps the story moving. I will definitely look for more of her reads.
Overall, this was a very entertaining read, it just ends abruptly. I could not find if it is the start of a series. I hope it is because there is so much left open. Very nice start to a promising series!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
February 17, 2013
After a horrible war makes Earth's surface unlivable, humans live underwater. Chey is one of these humans. After her best friend and parents die, Chey is utterly alone except for Haku, her dolphin pairing. But soon that changes when she meets Jesse, and discovers things that will change her life forever.
This is a great dystopian novel. At first, I wasn't exactly sure what was going on, because the author doesn't tell you everything by the first page; she shows you as the story on. Because of this, I understood the full story as the book continued. I can honestly say that this is a really original plot--I have never read anything like it, and I am not sure that I ever will. Yes, it's dystopia, but it won't be like any dystopia you have ever read! There is not even a trace of Hunger Games in here, something that pleased me, since many dystopian novels have taken traces of HG's plot. Cerulean was original, interesting, and I couldn't stop reading! The cover is really awesome as well, which is what made me get this book on my kindle. This story wasn't one of my absolute favorites, but it has made my 2013 favorites. I highly, HIGHLY recommend reading this--I can't stress that enough! I'm almost positive that this book has a sequel coming out, and I can't wait to read it!
This review can be found on http://myfullbookshelfreviews.blogspo...
This is a great dystopian novel. At first, I wasn't exactly sure what was going on, because the author doesn't tell you everything by the first page; she shows you as the story on. Because of this, I understood the full story as the book continued. I can honestly say that this is a really original plot--I have never read anything like it, and I am not sure that I ever will. Yes, it's dystopia, but it won't be like any dystopia you have ever read! There is not even a trace of Hunger Games in here, something that pleased me, since many dystopian novels have taken traces of HG's plot. Cerulean was original, interesting, and I couldn't stop reading! The cover is really awesome as well, which is what made me get this book on my kindle. This story wasn't one of my absolute favorites, but it has made my 2013 favorites. I highly, HIGHLY recommend reading this--I can't stress that enough! I'm almost positive that this book has a sequel coming out, and I can't wait to read it!
This review can be found on http://myfullbookshelfreviews.blogspo...
April 1, 2015
what a LOVELY book! Brave New World meets The Little Mermaid. Highly original and wow, just look at the cover art! At 99 cents, it's a bargain too. I highly recommend getting this book! (I listened to the Audible edition, by the way)
November 28, 2018
When the apocalypse struck, a colony of humans had developed technology to survive underwater after the surface had been radiated. Chey’s people have survived for several generations underwater, but still their numbers dwindle dramatically because of the “unmentionable”-people succumb to the “blues” and commit suicide by cutting out the gills that they need to breathe with underwater. The Authority keeps a tight reign over the people, and Chey bristles under the strictures of living in her society, and while she is doing a forbidden exploration with her dolphin partner, she finds a human in a scuba suit, and definitely not one of her people. There are people living on the surface and the Authority didn’t tell them! As the Authority tightens control over Chey, she escapes, and gets pulled to the surface by the young teenage diver boy she meets. And though they just have a small colony of people surviving on the surface, she finally feels the sunlight on her skin for the first time.
This is a delightful mermaid tale (though in this case the mermaid isn’t an actual mermaid. She’s just a human who has lived her life entirely underwater with technology like the underwater pods and the skin suits). So, not only does this fit into the fantasy category as a mermaid tale, but it’s also a scifi with all the future technology and dystopian depicting the world after the apocalypse and under a rigid authority with a rebellious young girl at the heart of it. But this doesn’t rip off Hunger Games or Divergent or any of the popular YA dystopian books that I’ve read currently on the market (yay! I love originality!) I loved that it created its own story and its own world. And I especially loved the little bits of Hawaii (being that I’m from Hawaii). Specifically I think it’s supposed to be Maui since I could swear I spotted the windy road to Hana. Largest issue is that this feels like just book 1 of a larger series, but this was published in 2012 and it doesn’t seem like there are any further books coming. There were plenty of questions and details not adding up about the Authority, the leader of the underwater colony, and not to mention the question of if there might be other survivors in the world. I’ve read one other book by Anna Kyss, and like that one, this one also focuses mainly on the YA romance without really dwelling on the deeper, darker details of the world (until that chapter near the end). All of the characters felt nicely fleshed out and the underwater world was rich with detail. The above world felt rather sparse by comparison, but the characters were at least rounded. But it felt like the pacing could have been tightened, making it drag in quite a few places. In all, I would be interested in reading more of this series should more ever get written.
This is a delightful mermaid tale (though in this case the mermaid isn’t an actual mermaid. She’s just a human who has lived her life entirely underwater with technology like the underwater pods and the skin suits). So, not only does this fit into the fantasy category as a mermaid tale, but it’s also a scifi with all the future technology and dystopian depicting the world after the apocalypse and under a rigid authority with a rebellious young girl at the heart of it. But this doesn’t rip off Hunger Games or Divergent or any of the popular YA dystopian books that I’ve read currently on the market (yay! I love originality!) I loved that it created its own story and its own world. And I especially loved the little bits of Hawaii (being that I’m from Hawaii). Specifically I think it’s supposed to be Maui since I could swear I spotted the windy road to Hana. Largest issue is that this feels like just book 1 of a larger series, but this was published in 2012 and it doesn’t seem like there are any further books coming. There were plenty of questions and details not adding up about the Authority, the leader of the underwater colony, and not to mention the question of if there might be other survivors in the world. I’ve read one other book by Anna Kyss, and like that one, this one also focuses mainly on the YA romance without really dwelling on the deeper, darker details of the world (until that chapter near the end). All of the characters felt nicely fleshed out and the underwater world was rich with detail. The above world felt rather sparse by comparison, but the characters were at least rounded. But it felt like the pacing could have been tightened, making it drag in quite a few places. In all, I would be interested in reading more of this series should more ever get written.
June 24, 2018
I actually read this in the Fractured world's series box set. I gave it a 4.5 score but since there is no 1/2 star I gave it a five star.
I LOVED this story. I really enjoyed this retelling of the little mermaid. It’s way more believable and incredible. I could totally see this story as a movie. I so want to read more but we’ll see.
I LOVED this story. I really enjoyed this retelling of the little mermaid. It’s way more believable and incredible. I could totally see this story as a movie. I so want to read more but we’ll see.
May 21, 2017
I liked the idea of using depression as a threat in a dystopian society. that is all I can say really.
September 3, 2018
This was an amazing dystopian retelling of The Little Mermaid! I have enjoyed each page and cannot wait to read more!
February 17, 2025
All this time, it has felt like happiness has evaded me. Was the true problem that I didn't spend enough time seeking it out?
November 2, 2014
Cerulean has affinity to the audio format. The story has a good pace and intrinsic rhythm which is fantastic for the audio. This audio seemed short to me. While listening to Cerulean I was immerse in the story.I have to confess that I was truly surprise with the evolution of the story. At first I thought it was about mermaids but it evolves into something new. The main character lives in a totalitarian society where she feels constrained by lack of choices and diversity on her life. Chey is a young girl with many questions. That is why she ends finding answers that change life as she knows it.
Cerulean is narrated by Melissa Moran. This narrator has a beautiful voice, perfect for this audiobook. The narration is single voiced and Moran is a skillful narrator. To help the listener differentiate genders, she changes her voice tone. Melissa Moran provides momentum to this audio by giving a strong voice to the main character. She translated the emotions depicted by author Anna Kiss into the audio, which is great.
Recently I have been disappointed with some audiobooks, So, it has been a pleasure to find a good audio. Audiobooks are deeply affected by their narrator’s performance. Melissa Moran puts a lot of effort on this audio performance. She maintains an adequate pace and the plot flows without unnecessary interruptions. The sound quality in Cerulean is really good and this is a factor that completes the delightful experience of listening to Cerulean.
I earnestly recommend Cerulean. The audio format will give you a really good listening experience, so look for it.
Enjoy your audio!
Cerulean is narrated by Melissa Moran. This narrator has a beautiful voice, perfect for this audiobook. The narration is single voiced and Moran is a skillful narrator. To help the listener differentiate genders, she changes her voice tone. Melissa Moran provides momentum to this audio by giving a strong voice to the main character. She translated the emotions depicted by author Anna Kiss into the audio, which is great.
Recently I have been disappointed with some audiobooks, So, it has been a pleasure to find a good audio. Audiobooks are deeply affected by their narrator’s performance. Melissa Moran puts a lot of effort on this audio performance. She maintains an adequate pace and the plot flows without unnecessary interruptions. The sound quality in Cerulean is really good and this is a factor that completes the delightful experience of listening to Cerulean.
I earnestly recommend Cerulean. The audio format will give you a really good listening experience, so look for it.
Enjoy your audio!
August 1, 2015
Cerulean is a truly original dystopia story. It is set under the sea, where humans took refuge after a horrible world war made the Earth's surface uninhabitable. Humans are implanted with gills at birth and are paired with dolphins for companionship.
The story centers on Chey, who recently lost her best friend and her parents to the sickness that plagues too many who live under the sea. Becoming increasingly restless, much like the Little Mermaid who wanted to explore the land above, Chey soon meets Jesse and the Captain who live above the water on an island.
Anna Kyss has a gift for writing interesting stories that develop over several chapters. I enjoy not being told everything in the first chapter. However, even though the beginning started wonderfully, I felt like the last few chapters were rushed and unfinished. I also felt the story ended abruptly with several unanswered questions. How is Chey going to reveal to those living underwater that it is now safe to live above sea level? What is the significance of Chey being able to talk to whales? What is Jesse’s back-story and why is he helping the Captain save those that escape from the underwater cities? I can’t help but get the feeling that these questions will be revealed in a sequel, if not a trilogy.
I listened to the Audible version of this book. Melissa Moran did a good job narrating. She has different voices for the different characters and she did more than merely read the text. I’d listen to other books that she’s narrated without question.
The story centers on Chey, who recently lost her best friend and her parents to the sickness that plagues too many who live under the sea. Becoming increasingly restless, much like the Little Mermaid who wanted to explore the land above, Chey soon meets Jesse and the Captain who live above the water on an island.
Anna Kyss has a gift for writing interesting stories that develop over several chapters. I enjoy not being told everything in the first chapter. However, even though the beginning started wonderfully, I felt like the last few chapters were rushed and unfinished. I also felt the story ended abruptly with several unanswered questions. How is Chey going to reveal to those living underwater that it is now safe to live above sea level? What is the significance of Chey being able to talk to whales? What is Jesse’s back-story and why is he helping the Captain save those that escape from the underwater cities? I can’t help but get the feeling that these questions will be revealed in a sequel, if not a trilogy.
I listened to the Audible version of this book. Melissa Moran did a good job narrating. She has different voices for the different characters and she did more than merely read the text. I’d listen to other books that she’s narrated without question.
May 15, 2017
Very interesting story that makes me want to read more in the series.
April 2, 2015
This book is beautifully unique, and super fast to read. I really loved the idea of it, and I also enjoyed the characters. Although, I wish that we could have gotten to know some of them a bit more. The cover art is simply gorgeous, and honestly is one of the reasons I picked it up. It's lovely.
The story in itself is very captivating. The whole undersea community reminds me of a dystopian Little Mermaid.
Cerulean touched on some very serious subjects such as suicide and depression. I think that as far as these things go, it was pretty well rounded. However, probably not the book to read when you are in the mood for a happy little story...
I really did like this book, it just ended so abruptly. I feel like several things went unanswered. What about the "underneath people" still under control of the authorities? Or the meeting with Hako? Even what happens with 'Bow. What happened to her? I wanted to get to know Jesse's story, as well as all of the other's.
Really, though, I did enjoy the story. I've never read anything like it, and it was beautiful. I liked how the plot builded as it progressed. Hopefully there will be a sequel?
The story in itself is very captivating. The whole undersea community reminds me of a dystopian Little Mermaid.
Cerulean touched on some very serious subjects such as suicide and depression. I think that as far as these things go, it was pretty well rounded. However, probably not the book to read when you are in the mood for a happy little story...
I really did like this book, it just ended so abruptly. I feel like several things went unanswered. What about the "underneath people" still under control of the authorities? Or the meeting with Hako? Even what happens with 'Bow. What happened to her? I wanted to get to know Jesse's story, as well as all of the other's.
Really, though, I did enjoy the story. I've never read anything like it, and it was beautiful. I liked how the plot builded as it progressed. Hopefully there will be a sequel?
December 11, 2012
I was thoroughly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. Far too short of a read in my opinion, when I finished, all I could think about is how much more I wanted it to continue, I didn't get the closure I had wanted with certain characters and their relationships, I wanted to read more about Chey's new day to day life. The beginning started wonderfully, and I really became attached to Chey, but I feel as if the last few chapters were rushed...overall, I can definitely say I would recommend this story to others. I am hoping for a sequel!
July 11, 2013
3,5/5,0
I really liked this story and the idea of it. At first I felt thrown into this world and couldn't quite figure out what was going on and how this world was working. Some questions were answered in the end, some weren't. The ending sounded quite open to me too and seems there won't be any other parts to it so far.
I really liked this story and the idea of it. At first I felt thrown into this world and couldn't quite figure out what was going on and how this world was working. Some questions were answered in the end, some weren't. The ending sounded quite open to me too and seems there won't be any other parts to it so far.
August 7, 2013
Awesome! This book feels like a twist to Disney’s Little Mermaid, the curious and brave Ariel most of us grew up idolizing, set in a dystopian world. I have not read anything like this before and I am glad to say this is good for most younger/teen readers. I’ll be working on a review for this soon!
April 17, 2014
Wasn't sure what to expect from this book but took a chance as I love the authors other two books. Boy am I glad I did I loved this story and hope she continues with this series as it's has really intrigued me with how she has made this world.
If you like science fiction and young adult books you will love this story.
If you like science fiction and young adult books you will love this story.
March 29, 2015
Really good book. For once, a mermaid story that is not dark. I liked the fact that there is no blood and no combat and it's quite innocent. Look for a deeper meaning in this book. More MG than YA, but it's about a mermaid trying to find her place in the world, so yes, it's YA. We need more...
June 11, 2013
Good story. Interesting take on the Little Mermaid. Hope there will be a sequel - the book felt like it ended abruptly.
July 16, 2013
a quick read, I feel like it could have gone more into a few details about the world below the water. Still thought it was great it was a good story with a neat concepts.
September 14, 2015
I enjoyed this book. It was a different take on mermaids. I look forward to the next one.
July 20, 2014
My review is posted on Audible
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews